MEETING YOUR MATCH: The latest in colour-matching tools and techniques
When it comes to colour matching, there are several methods you can employ to meet your perfect match. Colour matching tools can help technicians identify the best blendable colour match in minutes—and accuracy is important to the quality of the repair, as well as the productivity and profitability of the body shop. Proper maintenance of […]
SYNCHRONIZED WITH THE SEAL: I-CAR Canada and Saskatchewan Polytechnic team up on recognition of new apprenticeship curriculum
One of Canada’s biggest assets in repair technician training is the Auto Body and Collision Technician apprenticeship program with its Red Seal pan- Canadian harmonization. In 2011, I-CAR Canada recognized that a good part of the I-CAR program was being covered under the apprenticeship curriculum and exempted license holders from almost 150 hours of I-CAR […]
THE GREAT DEBATE: Has the pandemic proven photo-estimation’s worth?
Photo-based estimating involves taking pictures of a damaged vehicle and submitting them for a virtual repair quote. The consensus on the issue seems to be that body shops are against photo estimating, while insurance agencies are for it. Here’s why: PROS POST-PANDEMIC PEACE OF MIND Help ease the customer’s mind by continuing to comply with […]
ALIVE WITH IDEAS: New approaches to industry challenges at IBIS Connect Africa
By Allison Rogers For decades, key members of the collision industry have developed solutions to shared industry challenges at industry conferences. Perhaps the highest-profile of these conferences have been at the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium events, which attract industry legends from across different continents. In 2020, however, the coronavirus pandemic put a wrench in the […]
TODAY’S TRAINING: What will I-CAR training look like in our new normal?
I-CAR has had to take on an all-new approach to delivering its training courses amid the pandemic. On March 15, “pretty well all colleges across the country closed down their campuses,” Andrew Shepard, senior director of Industry Programs and executive director of I-CAR Canada told Collision Repair. However, I-CAR Canada quickly reacted to the closures […]
UNDERSTANDING THE INDUSTRY: Is it better to work for a chain or an independent facility?
By Gideon Scanlon If you are looking to start a career in the collision repair sector, you might want to think about whether you want to work for a business that has only one location, or for one that is part of a chain. Before making a decision, it is important to understand the basics […]
TEN STEPS TO TOP PERFORMANCE: AkzoNobel’s approach to Process Centred Environments
“IF WE LOOK AT A TWO-HOUR BOOTH CYCLE AS THE DRUMBEAT OF THE SHOP, WE SHOULD AIM TO SEE VEHICLES MOVING FROM STAGE TO STAGE ACCORDING TO THE DRUMBEAT. IT’S ABOUT PULLING THE VEHICLES THROUGH THE PROCESS AT A STEADY PACE RATHER THAN FORCING THEM THROUGH.” – PAT RYAN, AKZONOBEL Pat Ryan, an experienced service […]
ATTRACTING TOP TALENT: And keeping them around
As the industry sits sandwiched between a technician shortage and an unprecedented pandemic, understanding how to attract top talent to your facility is crucial. The number 1 rule for attracting top technicians and bodyshop talent is to highlight what makes your working environment unique. What makes your facility stand out among the rest? How can […]
MIXED UP: Repairing mixed material crossovers
As automakers work to achieve lighter cars with increased acceleration, better braking and handling, more and more metals are being thrown into the autobody mix. This means auto collision repair shops must be equipped with the right tools and knowledge to work with these mixed-material crossovers, resulting in new procedures and guidelines for many repair […]
TAKING ON TOUCHLESS: How touchless estimation could open doors for your business
By Sophie Price “WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER, WE’RE THINKING ABOUT IMPLEMENTING 24-HOUR DROP-OFF SERVICE. THE CUSTOMER COULD DROP OFF THEIR CAR, SNAP SOME PHOTOS WITH THE PROGI SYSTEM AND LEAVE WITHOUT ANY EMPLOYEES EVEN PRESENT AT THE SHOP. THAT’S A HOPE AND A DREAM AWAY, BUT IT MAY BE SOMETHING WE CONTINUE TO USE […]
